Labeled derisively by the political right as "woke capitalism" and championed by the left as a vital component of sustainable business, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues feature prominently in the national political conversation ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Companies seemingly face the prospect of an uncertain business environment full of competing regulatory and political priorities, as well as reputational risk stemming from the divide. Despite the uncertainty, however, ESG will remain a prominent feature of the business environment. Developing defensible ESG programs will, therefore, assist organizations in managing risk and realizing opportunities regardless of the election outcome. RANE spoke with Ashley Walter, Partner-in-Charge of the ESG practice at Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, to help organizations chart ESG strategies that will withstand clashing political will....
